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Saturday 23 January 2016

Ardh Kumbh Mela 2016 - All you need to Know

Ardh Kumbh Mela 2016 Haridwar:-



Ardh Kumbh mela takes place in every 6 years when Jupiter enters Aquarius and Sun enter Aries. Kumbh takes takes at four sacred Hindu Pilgrimage

1- Allahabad
2- Haridwar
3- Ujjain
4- Nasik

Next Ardh Kumbh is goin to take place in Haridwar from Jan 2016 to April 2016

Story Behind Kumbh Mela:-

When Gods Lost their strength, they thought of churning the ocean of milk for amrit this required them to work together with Asuras (Demons). Everybody agreed to work together with agreement of sharing the amrit with everyone. When amrit released released fight broke in the sky for 12 days. It is believed that during the fight Garuda(Vehicle of God Vishnu) flew away with elixir and drops of amrit fell in 4 places on earth ;Prayag, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nasik and because of this Kumbh Mela is celebrated in these Places.

Kumbh Mela Ritual:-


Kumbh Mela attracts several people every year. Major event is bath on the Banks on the several Holy rivers. Mass feeding, Religious singing, religious discussion and religious assemblies are other religious activities observed.

Millions of men and Women visit Kumbh Mela. The sadhus are also seen wearing saffron colored clothes and ash dabbed on the skin. Lot of Nanga Babas(Baba who do not wear clothes) can also be seen living without clothes in extreme weather. 

This mass gathering attracts lots of foreigners.

Mark Twain wrote 

"It is wonderful, the power of a faith like that, that can make multitudes upon multitudes of the old and weak and the young and frail enter without hesitation or complaint upon such incredible journeys and endure the resultant miseries without repining. It is done in love, or it is done in fear; I do not know which it is. No matter what the impulse is, the act born of it is beyond imagination, marvelous to our kind of people, the cold whites"


Bathing Dates Ardh Kumbh 2016:-

  • 14 January
  • 8 February
  • 12 February
  • 22 February
  • 7 March
  • 7 April
  • 8 April
  • 14 April
  • 15 April
  • 22 April

Top Rated Hotels in Haridwar to Stay During Kumbh:-


During Kumbh Haridwar is becomes very crowdy and overpopulated so finding good accommodation becomes quite difficult. So next time when you visit Haridwar and looking for some place to stay do mail me @shashanklohani1990@gmail.com 2 days before. We are a big travel agency working solely in our home Uttarakhand. Special Packages for tour and travel with car rental facilities are also available with us.

Wednesday 20 January 2016

Favorites Movie - Movies to watch when bored

Although some say every movie is good to watch "I don't believe it". I say life is short when compared to time reqired to watch all movie so watch only awesome movies. Ok now i will straightforward tell you my favourite movies. If you have or will watch any movie on my list please do comment and share it with others. If you have any of your personal favourite please do comment.




ALL MOVIES ARE AWESOME THERE IS NO RANKING IN MY LIST


10 - Inception
16 - The Shinning (Horror Movie)
19 - Big Fish

My Favourite Comedy Movie:-



I am not a critic this movie list is based on my personal experience 

Monday 18 January 2016

Kasar Devi Hotels and Resorts - An awesome place to stay in the Hills of Kumaon

Kasar Devi or Cranks Ridge Almora Information - All you need to know

Kasar Devi:-



Himalayas from Kasar Devi

Kasar Devi Temple

Relaxing at Kasar Devi

Kasar Devi is village approx 12 km from Almora is known for Kasar Devi Temple. Kasar Devi beautiful place to chill and meditate. Kasar Devi is famous among tourist from all over the world. Lot of tourist every year visit Kasar Devi. The temple host the annual Kasar Devi Fair in November-December.

Kasar Devi is place with immense beauty and culture situated at hilltop on the egde of Almora- Bageshwar highway. The panoramic view of Himalayas from Kasar Devi is breathtaking. Kasar devi offers perfect holiday destination for tourist who want to explore the beauty of Kumaon.

Swami Vivekananda mediated here and mentioned his experience in his diaries.Walter Evans-Wentz visited here stayed some time here. Some famous spiritual seeker spent decades in Kasar Devi.

How to reach Kasar Devi?

Kasar devi is located at 8 km hike from almora or 12 km by road.Kasar is located above Almora town.

Delhi-Rudrapur-Hadlwani-Almora-Kasar Devi (371 km)

Click to view full Route

Click to view route from Almora

Click here to view trek route from Almora

Cranks Ridge:-



Meditation Room - Swami Vivekananda mediated here
Cranks Ridge is a place just outside the village, which became popular during Hippie movement. It is also known as Hippie Hill. Covered in pine and oak trees it attracts tourist both foreign and domestic. The place got its name Cranks Ridge when famous Timothy Leary streaked in Kasar Devi. 

Many famous people like Lama Angarika Govinda, Swami Vivekananda, Neem Karoli Baba, Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Uma Thurman spent some period of their life in Cranks Ridge.

The village now has become a cult destination,many celeb visit here every year and it has a community of backpackers.The place is associated with spiritual power among many travelers.

There is a buddhist meditation centre in Kasar Devi


Famous Place to Visit around Kasar Devi:-

1-Chitai Temple - 8.8 km
2-Katarmal Sun Temple - 19.5 km
3-Almora Patal Bajar - 10 km
4-Ranikhet - 49 km
5-Jageshwar Temple-  36 km
6-Ancient Painted Caves Lakhudiyar - 21 km


Bells donated by Devotees of ChitaiTemple

Chitai Temple

Jageshwar Dham

Famous Places to Eat in Kasar Devi:-


1-Kasar Rainbow Restaurant 
2-Sawan's Norjang Restaurant
3-Glory Restaurant
4-Dolma Restaurant
5-Shikhar Restaurant
6-Soni Restaurant
7-Sumangalam Restaurant

-Dont forget to try Almora Famous Bal Mithai


Best Hotels in Kasar Devi:-



Hotels below 2000 in Kasar Devi:-



Hotels above 2000 in Kasar Devi:-


Saturday 16 January 2016

Top 5 places to visit around Nainital

5 Places around Nainital to visit:-

1-      Bhimtal


Bhimtal 

Elevation: - 1370 m
Distance: - 20.3 km
Click here to view full Route

Attraction:-
a-      Bhimtal Lake
b-      Adventure Sports
c-       Serene beauty
d-      Sayad Baba ki mazar
e-      Aquarium on the island on Bhimtal
f-       Bhimeshwara Mahadev Temple
g-      Hanuman Garhi
h-      Karkotaka Temple

Nearby Places to visit:-
a-      Sattal – 10 km from Bhimtal
b-      Naukuchiatal – 6.8 km from Bhimtal
c-       Bhowali – 9.3 km from Bhimtal

2-      Mukteshwar


View of Himalayas from Mukteshwar

Adventure Activities in Mukteshwar

Mukteshwar Dham


Elevation: - 2171 m
Distance: - 50.5 km
Click here to view full Route

Attraction:-
a-      Mukteshwar Dham
b-      Chauthi Ki Jaali
c-       Indian Veterinary Research Institute
d-      Brahmeswara Temple
e-      Brahmeswara Temple

Nearby Places to visit:-
a-      Sonapani – 8 km from Mukteshwar
b-      Ramgarh – 27.2 km from Mukteshwar
c-       Bhowali – 40 km from Mukteshwar
d-      Ghorakhal – 42 km from Mukteshwar


3-      Ramnagar:-


Elephant in Jim Corbett Park Ramnagar

Garjiya Temple Ramnagar

Jungle Safari


Elevation: - 345m
Distance: - 64 km
Click here to view full Route

Attraction:-
a-      Jim Corbett Park
b-      Garjia Temple
c-       Corbett Water Fall
d-      Jim Corbett Museum
e-      Kalagarh Dam

Nearby Places to visit:-
a-      Haldwani – 53 km from Ramnagar
b-      Kaladhungi – 31 km from Ramnagar

4-      Almora


Almora

Hills around Almora

Kasar Devi Almora


Elevation: - 1640 m
Distance: - 63 km
Click here to view full Route

Attraction:-
a-      Jageshwar Dham
b-      Kasar Devi Temple
c-       Chitai Temple
d-      Zero Point
e-      Bright End Corner
f-       Maa Dunaguri Temple
g-      Patal Devi Mandir
h-      Pre-Historic Painted Rock Shelter
i-        Cranks Ridge
j-        Kalimut

Nearby Places to visit:-
c-       Ranikhet - 48 km from Almora
a-      Kausani - 51 km from Almora
b-      Jageshwar – 22 km from Almora
c-       Dwarahat - 77 km from Almora



5-      Ranikhet


Golf Ground Ranikhet

Ranikhet



Elevation: - 1869 m
Distance: - 56 km
Click here to view full Route

Attraction:-
a-      Chaubatia
b-      Haidakhan Babaji Temple
c-       Jhula Devi Temple
d-      Binsar Mahadev Temple
e-      Sunset Points
f-       Bhalu Dam
g-      Mankameshwar Temple
h-      Rani Jheel
i-        Golf Ground
j-        Kalika Temple

Nearby Places to visit:-
a-      Almora – 48 km from Ranikhet
b-      Dwarahat – 34 km from Ranikhet
c-       Binsar - 30 km from Ranikhet

Top 5 things to do in Nainital

Top 5 things to do in Nainital:-


1-      Boating in Naini Lake



Types:- 
a-      Paddle Boats
b-      Rowing Boats
Charges: 150 Rs- 200 Rs per hour

2-      Arial Ropeway Car



Time of travel: - 2.30 Minutes
Timings: - 10 am – 4 pm

Both way charges: -
a-      Rs 150 Adult            
b-      Rs 100 Children

Stay Time: - 1 hour

3-      Trek to Naini Peak



Height: - 2615 m

4-      Trek to Tiffin Top



Height: - 2300 m


5-      Visit Nainital Zoo



Timings: 10:00 am – 4:30 pm

Entry is free for senior citizen and disables persons.
Free entry to students on World Environment Day, Zoo Foundation Day, Ozone Day and during Wild Life Week

Charges:-
a-      Rs 30 Adult
b-      Rs 10 Children
c-       Rs 25 Camera
d-      Rs 200 Professional Camera

Top 10 Places to Visit in Nainital, Uttarakhand

Top 10 Places to visit in Nainital:-

1-      Durga Lal Shah Municipal Public Library

How to Reach Durga Lal Shah Municipal Public Library:-Click to view full route.

2-      Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) \

Timings: 7 am – 9 pm
Phone no: - +91-5942-270700
For more information visit http://www.aries.res.in/

How to reach Aries Observatory Nainital: - Click to view full route.

3-      Naina Devi Temple Nainital

How to reach Naina Devi Temple Nainital:- Click to view full route
           
4-      Cave Garden Nainital

Timings: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
Tickets:
Adult: Rs 20
Children: Rs 10
Camera Fee: Rs 25

How to Reach Eco Cave Garden Nainital:- Click to view full route

5-      Pt. G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo

Timings: 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
Tickets:
Adult: Rs 30
Children: Rs 10
Camera: Rs 25
Professional Camera: Rs 200
Entry is free for senior citizen and disables persons.
Free entry to students on World Environment Day, Zoo Foundation Day, Ozone Day and during Wild Life Week

How to reach Pt. G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo:-Click to view full route

6-      Tiffin Top

How to reach Tiffin Top: - Click to view walking route

7-      Snow view point

How to reach Snow view point Nainital: - Click to view full route

8-      Naina Peak or Cheena Peak

How to Reach Naina Peak: - Click here to view full route

9-      Khurpatal

How to Reach Khurpatal: - Click here to view full route

10-   Pangot and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary Nainital


How to Reach Pangot and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary:- Click here to view full route

Friday 15 January 2016

Jim Corbett National Park - Hotels and information all you need to know

Corbett Park Uttarakhand Hotels Online Booking:-


There are many hotels in Corbett. Corbett hotels are for every kind of traveler whether it be, a budget traveler or someone who wants luxury while stay in this beautiful National Park. Travelers come here to see nature up close. Hotels vary from economy hotels, 2 star, 3 star, 4 star to luxury 5 star hotels in Corbett. Several government guest houses are also available to stay for accommodation.  

Hotels offer free secured parking, transportation service, meeting room, banquet facilities, taxis for local sightseeing with outdoor activities like bonfires, jungle safaris, elephant ride, local cultural activities, nature walks along with adventure activities like rappelling and rock climbing. Swimming pool and multi cuisine restaurant are needed most after a tiring day in Corbett Park. 

Most of the rooms are designed to provide the feeling of living close to nature. Amenities like air conditioning, telephone, LCD TV, tea coffee maker, mini bar, direct dialing and in room menu are included in every room.

Some of the best hotels offer services like theater, spa center, swimming pool, shopping center, in hotel fun rides. Cottages are also available for staying in Jungle Style

About Corbett:-


Jim Corbett National Park is the earliest national park in India and was settled in 1936 as Hailey National Park to save the endangered Bengal tiger. It is located in Nainital district of Uttarakhand and was named after Sir Jim Corbett who played great role in establishment of park. Corbett is famous among nature lovers. Many people visit Corbett National Park every year.   

Corbett National Park 521 sq. km spread across. It landscape consist of hills, rivers, lake, grasslands, marshly depression. Most of the area is covered in dense deciduous forest. The elevation ranges from 1,300 ft – 4000 ft. Winter are cold, summers are hot and it rains from june to july.

Corbett National Park history is rich and it was renamed several time since it was first established. It is one of 13 protected areas by World Wide Fund For Nature.

Corbett National Park has species of Flora and Fauna. The main attraction among travelers is Bengal Tiger who come here to see it particularly. Leopards, barking deer, Himalayan black bears, Indian grey mongoose etc are some mammals found in park. Indian Elephants can be seen herds of several hundred. Indian python found in reserve can kill a deer. Local Crocodiles and Gharials were saved captive breeding program that subsequently released crocodile in Ramganga River. 

Several species of migratory birds also visit every year park like crested serpent eagle, blossom-headed parakeet, red junglefowl. Several species of reptiles, amphibians and fish are also found.

Park promotes ecotourism through its activities to stop hurting nature with excessive tourism inside park.


Attraction in Jim Corbett Park:-


Jeep Safari is the most convenient way to travel within park. It is open throughout the year but best time is from June to November. While in open jeep many species of wildlife animal can be seen. Vivid traveler often love jeep safari rides. It is recommended booking jeep safari before 1 month for Indian nationals and and 3 months before for foreign nationals.

Treks are allowed in the park in the company of a guide. Tourists are not allowed to walk in the Corbett Park without the company of guide. Winter nights are cold so tourist should make proper arrangement before going on trek inside park.

Kalagarh Dam is the best place for bird watching in park. It is located in the south west side of wildlife sanctuary. Lots of migratory waterfowl come visit here in winters.

Corbett Falls is a 20 m high fall situated at 25 km from Ramnagar and 4 km from Kaladhungi, on Ramnagar - Kaladhungi highway. The water is surrounded by serene beauty and thick green jungles. Lots of tourist from nearby areas visits it daily.

Garjiya Devi Temple is sacred to Garjiya Devi and lies close to Park. It is situated on the banks of river Kosi. 

Tourist Zones in Corbett Park:-


Dhikala Zone is the largest and most varied zone in Corbett. Dhikala zone is known for its ample natural beauty. It is the best sight to see exotic wildlife animals and birds inside National Park. The entry gate is 18 km away from Ramnagar. It is located in broad Patli Dun valley through which river Ramganga flows. There is a more than hundred year old, Old Forest Guest House. It is located 50 km inside jungle no phone coverage. Be fully prepared before going into Dhikala zone as only basic necessities are available inside. Don’t miss Jungle Safari and Elephant Safari when inside.

Bijrani Safari Zone is very popular zone because of its abundant wildlife and open grasslands. The entry gate is 01 km from Ramnagar city.  It has core, buffer and tourist zone. Core zone is not allowed to visit. You can take jeep and elephant safari inside this zone. It is best for travelers who want to spend a day in Corbett.

Jhirna Safari Zone is another famous tourist zone inside Corbett national park. It is open throughout the year for tourist. It is located 16 km away from Ramnagar city.  Jhirna Zone now dense forest was once a village which migrated under Project Tiger. Tourist can see Cheetal, Sambhar, Elephants, Tiger in their natural habit. Both jeep and Elephant safari is available inside zone and guide is recommended for any safari inside.

Dhela Safari Zone is a new eco tourism zone in Corbett National Park included in November 2014. It is attracting large number of tourist for its rich flora and fauna open throughout the year. It is located at an approximate distance of 13 km from Ramnagar.

Durga Devi Zone is located on the North East boundary of National Park. This zone is heaven for a bird watcher. Its entry gate is 36 km from Ramnagar. Elephants can be seen in Durga Devi Zone. Surrounded by river seeing fishes is also loved by visitors dense green forest provide opportunity for bird watchers. It is open from June to October and closed in monsoon. Jeep and elephant safari are available in here.


Jungle Safari in Jim Corbett Park:-

1-      Jeep Safari
2-      Elephant Safari

3-      Canter Safari

How to Reach:-     

      

By Bus:-


Delhi-Moradabad-Kashipur-Ramnagar (260 km)
Nainital-Kaladhungi-Ramnagar (62 km)
Lucknow-Bareilly-Kicha-Rudrapur-Kashipur-Ramnagar (436 km)
Dehradun-Haridwar-Najibabad-Nagina-Kashipur (215 km)

Best Rated Hotels in Jim Corbett Park:-

4-      Patlidun Safari Lodge
5-      Brys Caves

Government Hotels and Cottages in Jim Corbett Park:-

4-      Gairal Forest House
7-      Dhikala Forest House
8-      Jhirna Forest House

Best Rated hotel below 2000 in Corbett:-

2-      Corbett Call Resort
3-      The Corbett Motel
4-      Corbett Deer View
5-      Taarini Corbett Camp
6-      Karans Motel
7-      Jungle View
8-      Tiger House Corbett
9-      Rainbow Inn Corbett

Best Rated Hotel between 2000–4000 in Corbett:-

1-      Corbett Roop Resort
2-      Corbett County Resort
6-      Corbett Kingdom
7-      Jungle Treasure
10-      Corbett Aroma Park

Best Rated Hotel between 4000–6000 in Corbett:-

1-      The Ranger Lodge
2-      The Solluna Resort
3-      The Golden Tusk
9-      Corbett Tusker Trail

Best Rated Hotel between 6000–8000 in Corbett:-

1-      Gajraj Trails Resort
4-      Corbett Leela Vilas
5-      Hotel Brys Caves
6-      The Rangers Reserve
7-      Kanwhizz Hum Tum
8-      Corbett Height Resort
9-      The Homestead Resort

Best Rated Hotel between 8000 and above in Corbett:-

1-      Namah
3-      Jims Leopard Camp
4-      Patlidun Safari Lodge
5-      Hideaway River Lodge
9-      Rattan Resort Dhikuli

Dhikala forest Lodge is historic structure built by Britishers more than 100 years ago. This forest house is most popular among tourists. It is not a luxury guest house but staying amidst jungle is unforgettable.




Note:-

·         Availability should be confirmed before 3 months.
·         Id proof required
·         No phone connectivity is available
·         Only veg food is served
·         In house Jim Corbett Library
·         Carry basic medicines as only basic first aid is available

 How to Obtain entry permit to visit Jim Corbett National Park:-    

      
Entry permit can be booked in advance by visiting online http://corbettonline.uk.gov.in.
Once you get the permit then it cannot be cancelled.

Rated List:-


            Perperson(3 D/2 N)                             200 Indian          900 Foreigner

           +1 night                                                 100 Indian          450 Foreigner

           Camera Commercial                            500 Indian          1500 Foreigner

           Elephant Ride                                        300 Indian          1000 Foreigner